Guyana in limbo... Future uncertain

Guyana in limbo… Future uncertain

Sep 16, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Ever since December 21 last year when Charrandas Persaud moved a no confidence motion against the government he served, the country has been in limbo – endless legal proceedings in the local courts – High Court, and Court of Appeal as well as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the highest court of the land.
These Court matters cost millions of dollars paid both by the government from taxpayers dollars as well as funds dished out by the opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) or sympatizers of the party since foreign senior counsel were retained by both parties.
It seems to me that the coalition is getting the better part of the tug of war because although the government was supposed to demit office they continue merrily along and no one knows when elections will be held.
At one stage it appeared that it will be in September, then October, November and the Chairperson of the Elections Commission, Claudette Singh was reported last Thursday to have said that elections will be before the end of the year.
However Stabroek News reported on Saturday that GECOM has not yet agreed on a firm timeline for general and regional elections since it continues to examine whether the polls can be held before year end. A new element has now surfaced THE COMMISSION HAS INDICATED THAT THE COSTS WOULD GO UP.
Meanwhile, the government is insisting for the results of the house to house exercise be used in the upcoming elections. Basil Williams who continues to function as attorney general threatened to file an application to stay the effects of the Chief Justice’s ruling in relation to the merging of the current register list with the new register.
This of course will further delay the setting of a date for the general elections. I had predicted the second Monday in December, but this date is no longer likely.
Neither the government nor the opposition has so far named its Prime Ministerial Candidate that is yet another indication that election date is far away.
According to the Coalition Accord between APNU and AFC, the Prime Minister Candidate should be from the AFC, and that movement had identified Khemraj Ramjattan rather than his friend Moses Nagamootoo, but we have to see what happens.
The PPPC has not yet named its Prime Ministerial candidate, but most likely it will be an afro Guyanese. Sam Hinds was in the No. 2 spot for 15 years. Irfaan Ali has been chosen by the PPPC General Council as its Presidential candidate, but party supporters feel that Bharrat Jagdeo has full control of the General Council and he influenced the election/selection. Most of them feel that Irfaan Ali is not suitable to be the candidate for such high office.
They would prefer Anil Nandlall or Frank Anthony. With billions of dollars worth of oil in the horizon, this election will be the most important in the history of the country and I am sure the politicians will want to have control of the windfall. It baffles PPP supporters why Jagdeo is taking chances with Irfaan at the helm.
Guyana seems to be in limbo… too much uncertainty.
Oscar Ramjeet

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